With the Supreme Court ruling that the government cannot regulate or limit political spending by corporations, a bullet has been put through the head of a suffering democracy. It was a mercy killing. For years now, Americans have been pathetically clinging to the idea that their votes meant something. Well, they don’t have to worry about that anymore. Thanks to the Supreme Court, it’s now all special interests, all the time.

It would be a mistake, however, to say that Americans’ votes will be worthless. In a political version of American Idol, we will be given the honor of deciding which corporate-sponsored politician will be able to become a highly respected, suit-and-tie-wearing marionette. And then we will live happily ever after, basking in the illusion of democracy.

In the decision’s simplest terms, Exxon, Citibank, Pfizer, General Electric, etc..,. will now be able to gush money toward any candidate they feel deserving, meaning one who will support their interests. Sure, you may be outraged that a Canadian can pay $5 for medication that costs you $40. You might even be so incensed that you exercise your right as an American citizen and call your Senator, urging them to support lower cost prescription drugs. But who do you think they are going to listen to: you or the lobbyist from Johnson and Johnson who just dropped $500,000 into the making of a campaign advertisement supporting that Senator? Good luck with that.